What does attemper mean?
"Attemper" is a literary verb meaning to moderate, soften, or bring something into a more agreeable condition by tempering or blending it. It can describe physically adjusting temperature or conditions — a breeze that attempers the summer heat — as well as figuratively moderating emotions, language, or judgment, as in attempering criticism with praise. The word derives from the Latin attemperare, formed from ad- ("to, toward") plus temperare ("to temper, regulate"), making it a close cousin of familiar words such as "temper," "temperature," and "temperament." Though once reasonably current in English poetry and prose, appearing in writers from Shakespeare onward, it has faded into archaic usage; today readers meet it chiefly in older literature. Its connotation is gentle, measured, and refined — the very quality the word describes. Modern writers who reach for it usually intend an elevated or antique flavor, and "temper" or "moderate" serves most contemporary purposes more naturally.
verbTo moderate, soften, or bring something into a suitable state by blending or tempering it; to adjust the intensity or quality of something, especially heat, emotion, or tone.
- To moderate, soften, or temper the intensity of something (heat, emotion, language).
- To blend or mix so as to bring something into a proper or agreeable condition.
"The evening breeze attempered the day's lingering heat."
"She attempered her criticism with a note of genuine praise."
"The stone walls attempered the fierce summer sun within the courtyard."
Shakespeare used "attemper" when he wanted a word for gently cooling the world down — one of those lovely verbs English mostly forgot.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of attemper
"Attemper" comes from Latin attemperare, meaning to moderate or adapt, built on ad- ("to") and temperare ("to temper, keep in due measure"). The verb entered English through Old French in the medieval period, well before Shakespeare's era, and long coexisted with its simpler sibling "temper." Because both descend from the same Latin root, they share cognates including "temperature" and "temperament." Over time "attemper" fell out of ordinary use, leaving "temper" as the surviving everyday form.
How attemper is actually used
"Attemper" is literary and now distinctly archaic; modern writing overwhelmingly prefers "temper," "moderate," or "soften." It carries an elegant, slightly formal connotation and survives mainly in older literature and deliberately ornate prose.
Easily confused with attemper
"Attempt" means to try or endeavor to do something, while "attemper" means to moderate or adjust the intensity of something — they share letters but nothing in meaning.